SHOTS were fired as two men attempted an armed robbery on a security van at lunchtime in a West Molesey street.

Police are appealing for information following the incident outside Barclays Bank on Tuesday May 8 just before 1.20pm.

The suspects, wearing dark clothing and crash helmets, approached a security guard from security firm Group 4 Securicor (G4S) and ordered him to the floor.

One of the men produced a handgun, which was fired twice into the air while threats were made to the security guard.

Unable to obtain any money, the men fled towards Yeend Close, where they had parked a blue Yamaha motorcycle.

The motorbike – which had been stolen from Kilburn in north-west London during a robbery in April – was seen travelling at speed along the High Street, before turning right into Walton Road towards Hampton Court.

No one was injured in the attempted robbery.

Detective constable Stacey Bolton said: “We are treating this incident very seriously and appealing to anyone who was in the High Street area of East Molesey around the time of this incident to come forward.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the offenders running towards the car park in Yeend Close.”

A spokesman from G4S said the firm was committed to maintaining the safety of its staff and the general public.

He said: “We continue to work closely with trade unions, the Police, the Government and relevant local authorities to develop initiatives that will curtail the growing number of violent attacks taking place on the cash-in-transit industry.”

Chief executive of the British Security Industry Association, David Dickinson said: “This attack is yet another reminder of the seriousness of this type of crime.

“It is a human crime perpetrated against men and women going about their everyday working lives performing an essential public service.”

Det Con Bolton urged anyone with any information they feel might be relevant, no matter how small, to get in touch.

She said: “Crimes of this nature are extremely rare in Surrey, and I want to reassure members of the public that we are doing all we can to find the people responsible.”